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•4.0L SOHC V6 engine
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween the two holes or between the MIN and
MAX marks (depending on application),the oil level is acceptable,
DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the lower hole or the MIN mark, add enough
oil to raise the level between the two holes or between the MIN-MAX
range.
•2.3L I4 engine
SAE 5W-20
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•3.0L V6 engine
SAE 5W-20
•4.0L SOHC V6 engine
SAE 5W-30
•Oil levels above the MAX mark or upper hole may cause engine
damage. Some oil must be removed from the engine by an authorized
dealer.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
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Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only
certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine
oil filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is within the
normal range on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap 1/4 turn
until it stops.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine Oil Recommendations
2.3L & 3.0L Engines
Look for this certification
trademark.
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended.
Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms
to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers. Use an equivalent oil Mazda specification.
SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel economy and durability
performance meeting all requirements for your vehicle’s engine.
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Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in theservice maintenance section.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
4.0L Engine
Look for this certification
trademark.
SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recommended.
Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms
to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers. Use an equivalent Mazda Specification.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
Change your engine oil according to the appropriate schedule listed in
theservice maintenance section.
Engine Oil Filter Recommendation
Change your engine oil filter according to the appropriate schedule listed in
theservice maintenance section. Mazda production and aftermarket
(Mazda) oil filters are designed for added engine protection and long life. If
a replacement oil filter is used that does not meet Mazda Material and
design specifications, start-up engine noises or knock may be experienced.
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It is recommended you use the appropriate Mazda oil filter (or another
brand meeting Mazda specifications) for your engine.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Mazda maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to theService Maintenance Sectionfor
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If possible, try to only fill the battery cells with distilled water. If the
battery needs water often, have the charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Note: Electrical or electronic accessories or components added to
the vehicle by the dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.
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•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
Your engine’s cooling system has been factory-filled with a 50/50 mixture
of distilled water and Mazda Genuine Engine Coolant, or an equivalent
premium engine coolant that meets Mazda specification.
A50/50 mixtureof distilled water and Mazda Genuine Engine Coolant
provides:
•maximum cooling system efficiency.
•freeze protection down to -34°F (-36°C).
•boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•
an accurate temperature readout from the engine coolant gauge.
The engine coolant must be maintained at the correct fluid level
and concentration to work properly. If the engine coolant fluid
level and concentration is not maintained correctly, damage to
the engine and cooling system may result.
L
E
A
D
RETURN
RECYCLE
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Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between fourth and fifth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer torefill capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inservice maintenance section.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
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CHECKING AND ADDING REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID
1. Park the vehicle on a level
surface.
2. Engage the parking brake fully –
put in first gear.
3. Assure the vehicle cannot move.
4. Clean the filler plug.
5. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
6. Fluid level should be at the
bottom of the opening.
7. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
8. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Mazda specifications. Refer toLubricant
Specificationsin this chapter.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Mazda Part
NameApplication Capacity
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)Mazda SAE 5W-
20 Premium
Motor Oil2.3L engine 4.0 quarts (3.8L)
3.0L V6 engines 4.5 quarts (4.3L)
Mazda SAE 5W-
30 Premium
Motor Oil4.0L V6 engine 5.0 quarts (4.7L)
Brake fluid DOT 3 Brake
FluidAll Fill to line on
reservoir
6
Power steering
fluidMazda MERCON
AT FAll Fill to range on
dipstick
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